Clinton pledges more than 243 million dollars as additional aid for Pakistan

Islamabad, Oct.29 (ANI): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is currently on a three-day tour to Pakistan, has offered to provide a total of 243.5 million dollars as aid to the troubled nation in addition to the 7.5 billion dollars that it will receive through the Kerry Lugar Bill over the next five years.

Clinton met Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, President Asif Ali Zardari and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the first day of her visit.

During her meetings with the country's leadership, the top US Diplomat underscored the Obama administration's resolve to develop a broad relationship with Islamabad, State Department spokesperson Ian Kelly said.

" Secretary Clinton pledged 55 million dollars at a meeting with Prime Minister Gilani to assist Pakistan and UN agencies to provide humanitarian relief to families displaced from North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) and tribal areas. She also pledged 103.5 million dollars in U.S. support for the Government of Pakistan's priority law enforcement and border security programs," The Nation quoted Kelly, as saying.

He said Washington would keep on assisting and helping Islamabad in its fight against extremism and counterinsurgency operations.

" We continue to stand with the Pakistani people who have seen firsthand the effects of violent extremism. We also honor the rave Pakistani military, police, and security personnel who are now engaged in rescue efforts, as well as those who are fighting o combat extremism and create a safe, stable, and secure Pakistan," Kelly said. (ANI)